Strengthening Metro Regional Care Pathways for Head and Neck Cancer

In 2025, the VICS Optimal Care Summits head and neck cancer consultation 2025 identified unwarranted variations in care delivery and outcomes for patients across the state.

Regional discussions highlighted a key gap in coordination for patients from Goulburn region, who often undergo surgery in metropolitan health services without their local health service being aware of their care journey. As a result, regional teams are frequently engaged later, when patients present with chronic treatment-related complications or require supportive and survivorship care.
This project aims to improve coordination of care for Goulburn based patients with head and neck cancer who are treated in metropolitan centers. It will focus on strengthening early regional engagement and improving access to oncology and allied health supportive care closer to home.
The project is being delivered in collaboration with GV Health and will apply a redesign methodology, incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches to understand current care pathways, barriers and enablers and identify opportunities for improvement.
The project is currently in the initiation phase, with delivery expected by December 2026.
For more information, please contact HRICS Project Leads:
Monique Beecroft – monique.beecroft@humerics.humehealth.org.au
Rebecca McAllister – Rebecca.mcallister@humerics.humehealth.org.au

Updated April 2026